Instrument cluster failure. All lighting for instrument dark/unreadable (speedometer,tach,odometer,fuel,temp,turn signal etc). Taken to dealer and I paid for rebuild to unit. Identical failure occured again after approx 3 months.
The worst 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Suspension19
- Electrical12
- Lights6
- Engine4
- Airbags3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Suspension19
- Electrical12
- Lights6
- Engine4
- Airbags3
- Tires3
- Transmission2
- Visibility2
- Driver assistance1
Recalls 2
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, corrosion may occur in the inner steel portions of the active body control's (abc) high pressure distribution hose due to extensive exposure to humidity causing deterioration of the hose.
- Risk
- This may result in abc hydraulic fluid leakage near the catalytic converter. Leaking fluid may come in contact with hot engine components and lead to a possible fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install new corrosion resistant abc high pressure distribution hose. The recall began on july 2, 2007. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 07V263000 · Recall details
Interior lighting
- What is wrong
- On certain vehicles, the instrument cluster is experiencing electrical malfunctions. The instrument cluster contains gauges and indicators that must be illuminated whenever the vehicle is in operation.
- Risk
- Due to inadequate illumination, the driver will be unable to read the gauges and indicators, such as the speedometer, which could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. The recall will be conducted in phases. Phase I was mailed out to approximately 7,500 owners on september 29, 2006. Phase ii and phase iii is scheduled for december 2006. Owners may contact mercedes-benz at 1‑800‑367‑6372.
Recall number 06V028000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class
Defect investigations
Air suspension system failure
The subject s-class vehicles contain a compressed air suspension system that uses air struts on each of the four wheels in lieu of traditional springs and shock absorbers.these air struts use compressed air to support the weight of the vehicle and control ride height.in the event of the loss of air from the system, an alert will flash on the instrument cluster warning the driver to either drive carefully or to stop the vehicle.the vehicle ride height can be reduced by as much as 105 mm below normal ride height before the full load of the vehicle for that wheel comes to rest on a steel rod, with a rubber stop on the end, located in the shock absorber.this rest-stop condition is designed such that there is no impact on vehicle control.mercedes-benz (mbusa) supplied video showing a vehicle in this condition operating under several different situations including evasive maneuvers demonstrating the ability of the vehicle to be controlled effectively with a ride height reduced to the minimum.only those complaints to odi and mbusa that alleged a steering interference during a reduced ride height condition were counted in this resume failure report.some complaints alleged that with a reduced ride height and a stop now warning message there was a rubbing noise when turning, but the ability to steer the vehicle was not compromised.a sampling of warranty claims submitted by mbusa did not reveal any indicating a loss of control due to an airmatic system failure.there was one crash reported by mbusa to odi but the information available indicated that it related to suspension systems and it was not possible to verify that the incident was related to an airmatic system failure. Further use of agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and will take further action in the future if warranted.this preliminary evaluation is closed.
PE07042
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class 9
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Complaints about poor wiping effect of winshield wiper
- Mercedes: parktronic intermittently not functioning
- Mercedes: corrosion protection coatings for brake components and hardware may be damaged and or stripped...
- Mercedes benz: water in tail lamp housing on either right side or left side.
- Instrument cluster shows dashes instead of main odometer reading
- Seal between exterior rear view mirror housing and door
- The high pressure hydraulic distribution hose of the active body control (ABC) may deteriorate over time...
- Replacement of abc pressure supply valve unit hydraulic line
- Subject regarding hard starting after fuel filter replacement
2002 Mercedes Benz S Class fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.4L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 20 | 17 |
| 5.8L 12‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 21 | 16 |
What 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The instrument cluster issue I am experiencing began approximately july, 2012. Initially, the dashboard lights would flicker briefly and then illuminate again. Subsequent to the frequent flickering incidents, the cluster lighting didn't illuminate at all, with the exception of the small diagnostic viewer. Currently, all lighting, gauges, and any diagnostic instruments, including the control buttons located on the steering wheel do not function. In addition to the forementioned, the headlights now constantly illuminate and the turn signal is completely silent and not visible from the instrument panel. I immediately inquired with a certified mercedes benz technician regarding the lighting cluster and control issue and through that inquiry was made aware of the vehicle recall related to the instrument cluster. With that said, I called the local mercedes benz dealership service department and provided the VIN number; and the service representative referred me to mercedes benz corporate; I provided the VIN number again, and was then told I didn't respond to the recall notification. The facts are contrary to that assertion; because if I had received the recall notification I would have acted upon the request. Currently the automobile has no lights and cannot be driven at night, nor am I aware if there is gasoline in the automobile. I have contacted mercedes benz corporation for assistance, who have completely excused themselves of this very serious problem. Your assistance to this very important matter is very much appreciated.
On starting the vehicle, the instrument panel was black without illumination or reading. As a result, gauges to speedometer, odometer, fuel, warnings to malfunctions, tachometer, oil pressure, & engine temperature are not present.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s-class. The contact stated that while driving 58 MPH, all of the instrument panel lights and gauges failed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and the dealer was contacted. The dealer advised the contact that there was an electronic malfunction. The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was 98500.
My 2002 mercedes s430 instrument cluster back lighting went out while I was driving and I could not see my rate of speed. Along with not seeing my rate of speed my fuel and temperature was not visable. I called mercedes dealer in virginia about the recall that came out in 2006 and I was told that the recall had expired. Looking on the internet there is a 10 year extension but I was told that it was from the time the car was manufactured. I have never heard of such in my life and I would like to know the bottom line truth to this situation.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s430. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the abc suspension failed as a result the vehicle automatically lowered in a downward motion towards the road. The contact was able to maneuver to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the fuse link, airmatic pump relay and airmatic compressor were replaced. There was a recall related to the failure under the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v263000 (suspension). The VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 71,268.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s55 amg. The contact stated that he was unable to shift the vehicle out of park. The vehicle was taken to a local shop where it was diagnosed that the shifter was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 118,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s55. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH the active body control light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle began to decelerate. The suspension system on the passenger side of the vehicle also failed, causing the vehicle to collapse. After coasting to a stop, the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the suspension pump was leaking. The vehicle was repaired. Approximately six months later the failure recurred. The failure mileage was 99,000 and the current mileage was 101,000.
Mercedes benz has listed a recall on all w220 mercedes-benz vehicles. The recall was about the instrument cluster failing resulting in the cluster to not work. The MPH, RPM doesn't work. Nothing on the cluster works. When I went on may 12, 2011 to the mercedes dealership to get my instrument cluster fixed because it was recalled I spoke with a lady at the dealer explaining my situation about the part being recalled and that it is defective. She asked me to give her my VIN number. When she typed in my VIN number, she told me that my cluster is not eligible for a repair. She said the my VIN number was a "status 9 issue" and because of this, it voids all warranties no matter what. I spoke with everyone there tying to sort things out and see if I can work out this issue. My 2002 s430 has been in an accident that is why it is a status 9. But the instrument cluster did not fail because of the accident. Even after the accident the cluster still worked fine without any sort of problems what so ever for almost a month if I am not mistaken. I strongly believe that mercedes should take action for this issue no matter what. If the part is defective, its defective. That's it. They should take responsibility and replace my recalled cluster free of charge. I would like for the dealer to take in my vehicle and replace the defective cluster. A recalled part like this should be replaced even though a vehicle like mine was in an accident. And my car wasn't in a bad accident and I have proof and pictures to show that it was not hit that bad. I would greatly appreciate if this matter would be attended to and I could get my part replaced. Thankyou very much.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 mercedes benz s430. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the airmatic suspension system warning indicator illuminated and immediately, the vehicle dropped towards the ground. The contact was able to continue driving with extreme caution. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Compare the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class
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Questions about the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class
Is the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class reliable?
Owners have filed 48 complaints about the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class, 3.2 times a typical S Class model year.
What is the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class year score?
The 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class scores 33 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mercedes Benz S Class: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class?
Suspension, with 19 complaints, typically around 71,268 miles. Next is electrical (12).
How many recalls does the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and interior lighting.
What year does the Mercedes Benz S Class have bad suspension?
The Mercedes Benz S Class model years with the most suspension complaints are 2000 (21 complaints) and 2002 (19 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Mercedes Benz S Class range from 16 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.4L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 20 highway.
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